Independent Living Options (ILO) Assessment
What is an Independent Living Option assessment?
Independent Living Option (ILO) is a NDIS funding package designed to support Participants aged 18 and over to live independently in a home of their choice, with flexible and customisable support arrangements.
ILO is intended for Participants who require at least six hours of support per day. While it does not cover the cost of housing, ILO funding provides the necessary supports to make independent living possible. Under an ILO arrangement, support can be provided in a variety of living situations, including:
In the Participant’s own home
In a home with family
In a shared living arrangement (with either shared or individual support)
With a host, where the Participant lives in the home of someone who provides support
This option focuses on building independence, maintaining informal support networks, and creating a sustainable, long-term living arrangement tailored to the Participant's individual needs and goals.
What does an ILO assessment involve?
An ILO assessment follows the same process as a standard Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA), with an extended section focused on home and living needs.
Your Occupational Therapist will:
Explore your current living situation in depth
Determine the level of support you need
Determine the most appropriate ILO model to meet your goals and support your development and provide a clear ILO recommendation
Justify the recommendation under the NDIS Reasonable and Necessary criteria
Identify risks if the funding is not provided
Process of getting ILO funding
After an ILO Functional Capacity Assessment, the Support Coordinator will usually support the Participant in developing a formal ILO Exploration and Design Proposal.
These supporting documents are submitted to the NDIS for review and if approved, ILO funding will be included in the Participant’s plan.